Cambridge University, which saw all of its colleges out by the semi-finals, has won seven times since the first show was broadcast in 1963.

Magdalen fielded captain Matthew Chan, James McComish, Kyle Haddad-Fonda and Will Cudmore, who made light work of questions posed by host Jeremy Paxman on constituent cities of the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion and Baroque music.

York University, which had one of its strongest teams in years, proved no match for the college, which enjoyed its fourth win.

York, which finished on its lowest score of the competition, is yet to win a final.

Author Antony Beevor presented the Oxford side with the University Challenge winners' trophy.